A compost heap which over-heated is being blamed for a serious fire at a house in Onchan.

Fire crews say an 'exo-thermic' reaction took place amid the rotting compost - which ignited a fence, a hedge and then - alarmingly - melted the side of a tank containing central heating oil.

The blaze took hold shortly after midnight at the property in Birch Hill Grove, and before it was out, had damaged two cars, the garage, kitchen and garden.

So lessons to be learned for all of us who feed compost piles - make sure they are well away from the oil tank, and other flammable materials.

Station officer Willie Cowley described the scene crews faced when they arrived: